Runner

by Lexi Reign

  "Baby" I called out.

  "I'm about to kick this hoe down," I said to Vedo.

  "You have to get it fixed and pay for it," he said.

  "I don't care. She might not be ok" I said as I backed up. I kicked the door in hard as hell and it fell down off the hinges. I walked through the bathroom and Nia was under the water in the tub. She was still. I felt my heart shatter. I quickly ran to her. I grabbed her and pulled her out. I wrapped her body in a towel.

  "MAN, CALL 911," I said yelling to Vedo as I tried to do CPR.

  "Man, Nia, come on. Ain't shit this bad" I said as I pumped her chest harder.

  "I GOT IT" Naomi yelled as she ran in. She started to do CPR on Nia. I watched as she lifted her head and breathed into her mouth.

  "They said it'll be less than 10 mins. They have 3 emergencies going on downtown" Vedo said.

  "Man, what? She will be dead by then" I said to him.

  "BE QUIET" Naomi yelled at me and Vedo as she continued to pump her chest harder. Tears started running down her face.

  "Come on, Nia. You can't die like this" Naomi said crying harder as she breathed into her mouth. She stopped and looked at me.

  "What are you doing bruh? Keep going. I got it. She is not leaving me like this" I said as I pressed onto her chest. I continued to press harder onto her chest as I watched her lifeless body lay still.

  "They outside" I heard Vedo say as I heard them rush inside.

  "How long has she been this way," the paramedics asked.

  "About 10 minutes and she's not responding" Naomi answered as I continued to press on her chest.

  "Sir, back away. We need to shock her" the lady said as I slowly backed away. I watched as they pulled the defibrillator out.

  "CLEAR," the paramedic said as I watched her shock Nia. Her body rose up, but she still didn't wake up.

  "CLEAR," the paramedic said again as she shocked Nia again. Nia still didn't wake up.

  "Turn it up to a higher voltage," the paramedic said to her partner.

  "Her pulse is very weak. She's still holding on" she added.

  "CLEAR," she said as she shocked Nia's body for the third time. Nia's body rose up and she opened her eyes taking a deep breath. She looked scared as hell.

  "I'm here, baby," I said to her as they put her body on the stretcher. I watched as the paramedics looked at her wrists.

  "Is she suicidal?" they asked. I looked at her wrists and she had fresh cuts on them. I sighed and Nia looked at me as they placed the oxygen mask on her.

  "Yes," I said to them as they wheeled her out of the house.

  I quickly grabbed my shoes and we all walked out behind them. Naomi, Vedo, and I all got in my RAM and I sped off behind the ambulance.

  Nia's POV

  1:30 pm

  BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

  I heard the machine beeping next to me. I opened my eyes and Vedo, Lorenzo, Naomi, CJ, Lauryn, Maurice, and pops were all here. I looked around and didn't see my mother. I don't understand what's her problem. I haven't heard from her. I sat up and Lorenzo quickly stood up. He fixed my pillow and grabbed my hand. He looked at me sympathetically. He's so sweet and caring when he wants to be. Everyone had the same looks on their faces. I took the oxygen mask off.

  "Take it easy, babygirl" pops said to me.

  "Are you ok?" Naomi asked. I nodded. I looked at her and nothing but hurt flashed through me. I know I said some bad things to her and Vedo. I didn't mean it, but at the same time, I did. They all were interfering. And I'm sure when I get out of here, they're going to do the same thing.

  I'm honestly just so tired. I've been stressing about everything and I can't escape my own thoughts. I just truly feel like everyone would be better off without me.

  "I'm fine. I'm ready to go" I said quickly as I started to try to unhook the machine.

  "Are you crazy? You just damn near lost your life. No, you cannot leave just yet" Lorenzo spat at me.

  "He doesn't mean that. You just had all of us worried. What's going on" Lauryn asked me.

  "I'm fine. Nothing is going on. I'm just ready to go home and get in bed" I said.

  "No, Nia. I'm tired, man. I'm sick of you walking around like you got your shit together when we both know you don't. You are an ADDICT" Lorenzo yelled at me. I could feel the anger swell inside of me.

  "AND YOU ARE FUCKING PREGNANT. IF YOU CAN'T GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER FOR YOURSELF OR FOR ME, DO IT FOR OUR CHILD" Lorenzo yelled at me as he stared at me. My face softened. Pregnant? I kind of knew. I meant to take a test during Thanksgiving, but after my period came on a few days after Thanksgiving, I thought maybe I couldn't be.

  "Or is it mine," he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I could see all the hurt in his face. Nothing but shame flashed across my face.

  "Lorenzo, come on now. She's dealing with a lot. You didn't have to go there" Maurice said.

  "Yeah, Lo. Calm down. Don't beat her up so" CJ said.

  "Man, don't start," Lorenzo said chuckling while looking at CJ.

  "Don't fucking tell me to calm down. And don't tell me how to handle my woman" Lorenzo spat.

  "Lorenzo, I'm sorry, but can we not do this now," I said to him. He chuckled.

  I wish they would all leave him alone. He's like a ticking bomb and he's ready to tell everything. Lauryn stared between everyone as pops looked confused.

  "What? You don't want everyone to know your secrets? You a fucking addict and I know you. At least I thought I did. Ain't no way you're just going to stop using. You don't care about being pregnant" Lorenzo said. Tears ran down my face.

  "Son, that's enough. I know you are hurting right now. I see it in your face. But you got to realize she needs you to support her and be there for her, not beat her up about the things she has done" pops said. Lorenzo looked at me and sighed.

  "We're going to leave y'all alone," pops said as everyone started to walk out. Naomi walked out reluctantly. She kept her eyes on me as she walked out. Lorenzo paced around the room. I could feel his anger and see the fumes coming off of him.

  "I can't believe you. Every time I try to talk to you, you are high. You know, I almost lost it earlier. You were dead. You tried to kill yourself, why" Lorenzo asked.

  "And I don't want to hear no bullshit. I want the full truth" he said, staring at me. Tears ran down my face.

  "Lorenzo, I see that you are hurting, and I am sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I'm just dealing with a lot" I said to him.

  "Dealing with what? I'm your man. You supposed to come to me when you are hurting, not drugs" Lorenzo said.

  "I'm so sorry. I didn't know I was pregnant. My period came on, so I figured I wasn't any more" I said to him. His face softened.

  "Is it mine?" he asked as he looked away. I nodded.

  "You just asked me that question. It is yours. I haven't slept with anyone else, but you. CJ and I didn't have sex. I've told you that multiple times" I said to him. He sighed.

  "What about that dude, Will," he asked.

  "I want a paternity test," he added, which hurt me.

  "Lorenzo, I haven't had sex with anyone, but you. I didn't have sex with Will either" I said to him. He sighed.

  "You have been lying to me about where you've been going and all that shit. I'm sorry if I don't believe you, but I have the right to feel this way" he said. I sighed. I turned over to my side because I started to feel nauseous.

  "Lorenzo, ok. Whatever you say. I don't feel good" I whined as I started to empty up the little food I had in me. I started to feel myself getting hot.

  Lorenzo's POV

  To say I'm pissed off at Nia would be an understatement. I'm beyond pissed, but I am thankful that she's ok. Now that I know she's pregnant, it's going to make me go in overdrive. She's addicted to coke and an addiction doesn't just go away overnight. She's going to hate me, but I don't give a damn. The doctors say she's 13 weeks pregnant, and how they're not sure yet if our child will have any deficiencies. I don't know what I'll do if my child comes out fucked
up because of Nia.

  I watched her as she threw up. She started to stare off into space. The heart monitor started to race rapidly.

  "Nia" I called out as she started to seize. I pressed the panic button and helped her lay on her side. Foam started to come out of her mouth as the doctors ran in.

  "Sir, we need you to step out," the nurses instructed.

  "What's wrong with her," I asked.

  "She's having withdrawals. She consumed a large amount of cocaine. We cannot give her any medication to override the drugs because we don't want to risk harming the baby" the nurse said as she pushed me out of the door. I stood at the door and kicked it. I could feel my anger rising.

  "It's okay, son," my mama said as I felt her hands wrap around me. I turned around and looked at her. Where the hell has she been? I thought she wasn't here.

  "I know I haven't been the best, but I do love you. I see you're hurting, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I told you she was unfit from the beginning" my mama said with so much hatred in her voice, which made me angrier.

  "You don't give a fuck about me. You never have. All you came over here to do is try to prove to me that you were right about Nia. I don't care about what you think and while you are talking about her, I believe in her. And I know that no matter what happens, she'll be a better mother than you ever have been. And with all due respect mama, fuck you and I mean that from my soul" I spat at her walking off quickly as my whole family stared at me shockingly.

  I don't give a fuck. Right now, I could kill somebody. I walked to the opposite waiting room. No one was in here, but me. I paced around and punched the wall as hard as I could. Tears ran down my face. I'm worried about Nia. I'm worried about my unborn child. I'm worried that after all this, Nia won't be the same again. I'm angry at my mama. If she wasn't my mama, I swear she'd be dead.

  "Son," my pops asked. I quickly wiped my face. He walked towards me and hugged me.

  "It's gonna be alright," he said patting my back.

  "I'm proud of you, man, and no matter what I got you. Nia and my grandchild will be just fine. That girl is stronger than you think she is" my pops said chuckling.

  "I know you said crying makes me weak," I said to him. He sighed.

  "No, it doesn't. Me and your mama both were never any good. She didn't give you the love you needed and my pride wouldn't let me be the father you needed. I'm sorry, son. But there is nothing wrong with crying. You have been strong long enough. All those times I pushed you away, it made you a stronger man, but it didn't heal what was going on inside of you. And I'm sorry about that. But son, you can't resent your mother all your life" he said to me.

  "I can, pops, and I don't understand why you still put up with her shit. She's so evil. And yeah, you made me a man. You taught me how to never let my guard down and how to put my feelings aside. You're the reason why I'm the man I am today. I wouldn't want it any other way. I love you" I said to him.

  "I love you, too, never forget that. But it's a lot about your mother you don't know. She hasn't always been this way. But it's not my secret to tell. It's hers" he said.

  "What secret," I asked looking at him confusingly. He sighed.

  I walked around him. He quickly grabbed my arm.

  "Let it go, for now. Wait until your girl is out of here. Handle one thing at a time. Step by step" he said to me which reminded me of how he used to calm me down when I was younger. I nodded as he walked out. CJ came and sat by me.

  "I know you worried, bruh. But like I always told you, I didn't have sex with Nia" he said. I threw my hand up and shook my head.

  "I don't want to hear about what y'all had. I was angry at the moment. We will never get over it if I keep bringing it up. I just had to say that" I said to him. He shook his head.

  "You ain't gonna never get over it," he said. I stared at him. He shrugged.

  "You not, man. I know you. It'll always be something that'll haunt you whenever you see me and her just chilling or some. I can't take back what I did, but I can make it easier for you. I think it's best if me and Lauryn take this move" he said.

  "What move," I asked him. This my first time hearing some about this.

  "Lauryn got a new job in Virginia. She didn't want to take it because she ain't want to ruin our relationship nor me and your friendship, but I think it's time" he said standing up and walking off. I sighed and closed my eyes. I can't take another thing today. I'm tired and I'm drained. All I know is that it's time for a change.

  Chapter 29: Secrets (Part 1)

  Lorenzo's POV

  January 31st

  2:30 pm

  ||| 2 Weeks Later |||

  * KNOCK KNOCK*

  I opened my eyes and was awakened to somebody banging on my front door. Nia flipped over and laid her head on my chest. I sat her up and kissed her lips.

  These last past two weeks have been rough, but together she and I have been getting through this. She has been having crazy withdrawals, mood swings, and times when she doesn't even want to eat. But I've been there with her every step of the way. This shit is hard, but I love her and I know she'd be here for me, too.

  Today is Lauryn and CJ's last day here. We all decided to have a family gathering before they leave. I haven't even talked to either one of them in like a week. Both of their minds are set and it isn't anything I can do to change it.

  *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

  I heard the front door again and then Vedo answered it. I stood up and looked out of the window. I noticed that it was Detective Frazier. He's the same cop that's been following me around lately. He thinks I don't notice his ass, but I do. I listened closely to what they were saying.

  "Is there a Lorenzo Woods here?" he asked Vedo.

  "No, sir. He isn't here. What can I do for you" Vedo asked. I chuckled cause he always thinks smart.

  "Does he live here? We have pictures of him coming in and out" Frazier asked. Well, if you have the damn pictures, why ask?

  "We have a warrant out for his arrest. Lorenzo is considered armed and dangerous and he's wanted for the murder of Robert Taylor, for treason, theft, and drug trafficking. If you see anything, and I mean anything, don't hesitate to call me" he added as I heard the door shut. I watched as he walked back to his van and sped off. Who the fuck is Robert Taylor?

  "Yo, Lo," Vedo asked, coming up the steps.

  "I heard them, man. Somebody setting me up" I said shaking my head.

  "I can call my homeboy, Jerad. He is good with this type of shit. He could help" Vedo said as I nodded.

  Nia woke up and looked up at me. She smiled lightly. She's slowly turning back into her old self.

  "How are you feeling," I asked.

  "Better than I did yesterday. I had morning sickness like crazy" she said as she stood up. She has been gaining weight and no lie, it looks good on her. Her belly is growing and things are just now starting to get real. I can't believe she's pregnant with my kid.

  I watched her as she walked to the bathroom. I sighed. Lately, I don't even know what the future holds anymore. I worried about Nia and my unborn child. I haven't even had time for myself to figure this shit out.

  BUZZZ BUZZZ BUZZZZ

  I looked down at my ringing phone to see an unknown number calling me.

  "Speak," I said into the phone. I heard chuckling.

  "Lorenzo Woods" I heard Detective Frazier say. I smiled.

  "What can I do for you," I asked, already getting angry.

  "I've been watching you for so long. I'm close. I'm the closest I've ever been to locking your black ass up. You better enjoy that pretty little girlfriend of yours and that kid you got on the way for as long as you can" he said chuckling.

  "Is that a threat?" I asked.

  "Not really. It's just I suggest you turn yourself in before I come after your girl. I'm sure she knows all about the things you've done. How would a pregnant lady ever make it in prison" he asked.

  "You leave her out of this" I spat at him.

  "I
will. She's not who I want. I want you locked up forever and if I can't get you, I'll get her" he said.

  "I know your friend, Calvin, is leaving out tonight with your sister. Lauryn, right? I can have one of my partners waiting on them both at the airport if I don't have you in my custody by 9:00 tonight" he said chuckling as he quickly hung up.

  He really doesn't know who he fucking with.

  "Baby, you ok," Nia asked, coming out of the bathroom looking worried. I nodded.